The history of a tradition cannot be invented.
Tradition and flavor in a sip, suspended between history and modernity. The story is that of Antica Distilleria Petrone, now in its fifth generation and officially founded in 1858 by Domenico Petrone. But its roots run even deeper. Descended from a line of distillers from the Naples area, the company eventually moved to broaden its horizons, relocating to Sessa Aurunca and the nearby locality of Ventaroli di Carinola. But above all, it found its true home in Mondragone. A family of distillers whose centuries-old recipes have been passed down from father to son. Recipes that were also cherished by the celebrities of the time. Domenico Petrone himself was closely connected to the Bourbon Royal Family, for whom he crafted an herbal after-dinner elixir, a recipe that would later become AmaRè. Meanwhile, in Mondragone, a region rich in grape pomace, Antica Distilleria Petrone quickly became a driving force in the local economy, which until then had been primarily based on agriculture.
The 1940s
An economy that, thanks in part to the Petrone family, began to grow through the production of grape pomace alcohol and brandy. The by-products of this process, along with charcoal from local furnaces, were used by local families to heat their homes during the winter. From September to March, the area echoed with the songs of distillery workers.
The distillery felt like family, thanks to its strong ties with the town. That warmth, and what we would now call a circular economy, reflected the Petrone family's deep-rooted commitment to their community. In fact, at the time, the distillery even served as a refuge for the homeless, who came to warm themselves by the heat of the boilers during the harsh winter months.
This lasted until World War II, when the company was completely destroyed, only to be rebuilt through the dedication and determination of Raffaele, Domenico’s grandson.
The 5th Generation
Today, over 160 years after its founding, the company, under the leadership of the latest family descendant, Andrea Petrone, has successfully established itself on the international market for the excellence of its products. These range from time-honored, award-winning classics like Limoncello, to signature creations such as Elixir Falernum, and fruit-infused delights that capture the passion and authenticity of the region in every glass.
Like Guappa, the first and only liqueur made with buffalo milk and brandy aged for three years, crafted using the same milk used for Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP.
All of this has been achieved by innovating and refining the production process while staying true to a centuries-old tradition rooted in love and perseverance, a tradition that delivers the very best with simplicity, and honors the deep bond between Antica Distilleria Petrone and its homeland.
